RUNNINGBACKS
Despite not possessing a generational prospect, the 2024 runningback class is one of the deepest in recent memory, with talent backloaded into the fifth and sixth rounds with guys like Kentucky’s Ray Davis and Monmouth’s Jaden Shirden, teams may be able to find the next James Robinson anywhere on the board.
1. Jonathon Brooks, University of Texas
Texas Athletics
+ Ideal frame and lower body strength to play as a three down back (6-0, 208).
+ One-cut type back with ability to tear through space in the open field. Very dynamic in the second and third levels
+ Good at contact point, keeps balance, drives forward. Elite mix of size and speed.
+ Good against linebackers in coverage, can become a problem out of the backfield.
+ Good vision in short-yardage situations.
- ACL tear midway through 2023 season will scare off teams from drafting him high.
- Can be awkward as a receiver when matched up against lankier, quicker linebackers.
2. Bucky Irving, Oregon University
USA Today
+ Sharp cuts make him a headache for linebackers to manage.
+ Elite with leverage (angles, pad level), showcasing good football intelligence.
+ Very good short area quickness that allows him to escape blitzing linebackers.
+ Always leans forward while being tackled.
+ Can get skinny, and has good shift and spark, making him a possible punt returner.
- Not the biggest back (5-9, 194). Although not a huge problem with the new wave of back in the NFL, under 200-pounds is nonetheless concerning.
- Not a short yardage back in the NFL, although branded for that at Oregon.
- Needs work in pass protection, putting on weight will help.
3. Blake Corum, University of Michigan
Maize n Brew
+ Very compact, solid frame that deflects tackles (5-8, 213).
+ Elite leg drive and core strength.
+ Able to attain leverage against any defensive player, making him a task to actually get to the ground.
+ Good vision, will follow lead blockers.
+ Second level speed with ability to clear the secondary momentarily.
- A 24 year old rookie is not enticing, especially as a three year starter.
- Can come off as sluggish at the line of scrimmage before he sees the hole.
- A willing blocker that has not displayed the ability to actually block.
- No real experience as a receiver.
4. Jaylen Wright, University of Tennessee
USA Today
+ Averaged 7.4 yards-per-carry on 123 carries (over 1,000 yards).
+ Best overall athlete in this RB class.
+ Very light, quick, dynamic feet that split defenses and make him an immediate threat off tackle.
+ Acceleration is elite, helping him rip through arm tackles.
+ Attitude in pass protection.
- Can, at times, develop tunnel vision, enables him to run into tacklers.
- Too focused on being an outside threat, can get flustered as an inside runner.
- Frame and style of play will put a lot of mileage on his tires quickly.
5. Trey Benson, Florida State University
Tomahawk Nation
+ Has ideal frame for an NFL back (6-0, 223), with 4.39 speed and solid overall strength.
+ Open field runner who, while not adept at making guys miss, can get away from a tackler in a hurry.
+ Explosive out of cuts when in open field.
+ Faster than most linebackers, bigger than most corners, making him an effective outside runner.
+ Above average out of the backfield, making him an intriguing prospect from day one.
- Major injury history (gruesome knee injury affected 2020 and 2021).
- Longer legs, possibly a detriment if used as a goal line back.
- Can use work in-between the tackles as a runner, oftentimes running into the pile.
- Perhaps a bit more explosive in 2022 than 2023.
6. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin University
San Diego Union-Tribune
+ Big back with workhorse-type potential (6-2, 240).
+ Runs a 4.5-forty at 240 pounds, and is a threat out of the backfield.
+ Very good at the cutback, will devastate defenders who leave their assignment.
+ Can lean on his weight and find extra yards in the open field, not afraid to lower his shoulder.
+ Determined runner with above average footwork.
- Not the quickest off cuts, displays little to no side to side movement.
- Played injured the last two seasons at Wisconsin, indicating injury concerns.
- Easy to tackle at ankle level; size is a detriment in that scenario.
7. Audric Estime, Notre Dame University
Getty Images, Copyright 2022
+ Definition of a short-yardage back. Muscular built frame with thick legs (5-11, 227).
+ Will bruise his own path when blockers lead him astray.
+ Has good feel between the tackles, always moving legs.
+ Lowers shoulder in open field, not afraid of contact.
+ Average in pass protection.
- Not particularly fast or quick, lacks quick cut ability (4.69).
- Does not possess burst to pull away from secondary, eliminating his big play ability.
- Not a great pass catcher or route runner, limiting him to a one-dimensional back.
- Bruiser that can sometimes be bruised himself.
8. Jase McClellan, Alabama University
USA Today
+ Fluid, balanced runner that can shrink at the line of scrimmage and plow at the second level.
+ Good pass catcher who can work down the field on routes.
+ Interior running skills were on display during the Rose Bowl, can create yards through swiftness at LOS.
+ Is always square to the LOS.
- Overall agility is not great.
- Does not have explosive speed to pull away from linebackers when attacking the edge.
- Is solid all around, but not elite in any one aspect.
- More than likely a career back-up as production significantly declined as the lead back.
9. Dylan Laube, University of New Hampshire
YouTube: hyperhighlights
+ All-purpose back that can wreck games (totaled 295 receiving yards against CMU).
+ Good with angles and is quick out of cuts, adept at the second level.
+ The best receiving back in this class with ability to play slot receiver.
+ Wastes little movement as a runner.
- Is not terribly fast with pure straight-line speed
- Is not the strongest runner and his brought down by arm tackles sometimes.
- Not a short-yardage back, limiting role as a runner.
- Not amazing in pass protection.
10. Ray Davis, University of Kentucky
Lexington Herald Leader
+ Compact, sturdy, balanced frame at 5-9, 216.
+ Phone booth runner with surprisingly quick feet and ability to fake out a defender.
+ Plays through contact when it is inevitable.
+ Good first step and burst for back of his size.
+ Potential to be a bell-cow back.
- Good burst yet slow acceleration, not an effective second level runner.
- Never attempts cutbacks, raising questions about his tunnel vision.
- Not adept in pass protection.